Serving 946 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Desert Thunder ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 946 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Desert Thunder's student population of 946 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
946 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
2004
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desert Thunder ranks within the top 50% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desert Thunder is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#744 out of 1921 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
61%
48%
Black
14%
6%
White
20%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Thunder's ranking?
Desert Thunder is ranked #744 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Desert Thunder often compared to?
Desert Thunderis often viewed alongside schools like Copper Trails by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Desert Thunder?
946 students attend Desert Thunder.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Desert Thunder students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desert Thunder?
Desert Thunder has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desert Thunder offer ?
Desert Thunder offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desert Thunder part of?
Desert Thunder is part of Avondale Elementary District (4272) School District.
In what neighborhood is Desert Thunder located?
Desert Thunder is located in the Canyon Trails neighborhood of Goodyear, AZ. There are 1 other public schools located in Canyon Trails.
School Reviews
Review Desert Thunder. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
